The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #58275

Jennifer A. Nelson, MPH¹, Bridget Moneypenny, MPH², Maria Uribelarrea³, and Mary Ann Chiasson, DrPH¹. (1) Research and Evaluation Unit, Medical and Health Research Association of New York City, 40 Worth Street, Suite 720, New York, NY 10013, 212-285-0220, jnelson@mhra.org, (2) MIC - Women's Health Services, 225 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10007, (3) MIC-Women's Health Services, 225 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10007

To increase knowledge about contraceptive decision making among women in recently arrived immigrant groups, eight ethnicity-specific focus groups were conducted. Participants were Mexican, Ecuadorian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi women seeking services at MIC-Women’s Health Services in New York City. Despite apparent cultural differences, some similarities were observed across groups. Most participants were comfortable with the topic and expressed interest in learning more. Method attributes, especially side effects, affect these women’s decisions not only about which method to use, but whether to use contraception at all. Across all groups, women are highly motivated to limit childbearing, having immigrated to the United States to work and improve the lives of their children; the expense of raising children and lack of the extended family support system they had in their countries of origin clearly influence the desire to practice contraception. The greatest divergence among groups was the role of the male partner. Whereas women in all groups placed decisions about contraception firmly within the purview of the couple, the degree to which male partners influenced contraceptive behavior varied. The Latin American women preferred that their partners be involved, but were willing to proceed without that involvement and even circumvent unsupportive partners. The South Asian women described a much stronger role for their partners; they may accept input from other sources, but their partners are the primary decision-makers. Even when the motivation to use contraception is similar, understanding the varying influences on decision making is important to providing culturally appropriate services.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to
• identify points where attitudes about contraception and influences on decision-making converge among Mexican, Ecuadorian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi women;
• describe differences among these groups with respect to involving their partners in contraceptive decisions; and
• discuss the implications of these similarities and differences for delivery of contraceptive services to immigrant populations.

Keywords: Family Planning, Immigrant Women

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: MHRA, my employer, is the parent organization of MIC-Women's Health Services.